4 Common Commercial Refrigeration Problems in Washington, DC

If you’re a Washington, DC business owner who relies on commercial refrigeration to keep your products cold, then you know that these machines can be temperamental. You will likely experience some common commercial refrigeration problems from time to time. Here, we discuss four of the most common issues and offer some solutions.

1. The System Won’t Maintain Correct Temperature Levels

Commercial refrigeration units should keep your products at a specific temperature. But if the unit is not functioning correctly, it will fail to maintain this temperature level. This could result in spoilage of food or other items you sell.

If you notice that the refrigerator is struggling to maintain its internal temperature, there could be several causes. The condenser coils may be dirty, or the evaporator fan motor could have a faulty relay. You can call our commercial HVAC and refrigeration specialists to troubleshoot this problem and determine what repairs you need.

If you don’t fix the unit right away, it will likely continue turning on and off frequently to cool down the refrigerator. This will use much more energy and shorten the lifespan of the unit.

2. The Unit Is Making a Lot of Noise

Your commercial refrigeration unit should not be noisy. If it’s making loud noises, there could be something wrong with the compressor or its fan motor. If you discover damage, you may need to replace these parts.

You’ll also want to clean the condenser coils. It’s common for them to become coated with dust, which can cause the unit to make strange noises when it’s running.

If the compressor continues to be noisy after you’ve cleaned its condenser coils, it could need replacement. You should consult a professional to assess if it’s time to repair or replace the condenser.

3. The Doors Will Not Stay Closed

If your commercial refrigeration unit has doors that will not stay closed, it is likely due to a faulty hinge or latch. You can replace these parts yourself if you have the proper tools and know-how.

You may also want to check the gaskets and door seals for signs of wear and tear. If they are no longer effective, the doors may not stay closed.

If you have tried all these solutions and your doors will not stay closed, there may be something wrong with the unit’s frame. In this case, you will need to consult a professional for repairs.

Keep in mind that if the doors don’t stay closed, this will cause the unit to work harder and use more energy. It can lead to early failure of the refrigerator and increased costs for you in the long run.

4. Ice Has Built Up Inside the System

If you see ice buildup inside your commercial refrigeration unit, it’s likely due to a clogged defrost drain. Food particles or grease can collect in the drain over time and cause clogging.

You can try to clear the clog yourself, but be careful not to damage the drain. If the clog is too severe, you will need to call a professional for help.

Another common cause of ice buildup is a faulty defrost timer. If this part is not working correctly, it can prevent the unit from defrosting correctly.

If you have tried all these solutions and the ice buildup continues, there may be something wrong with the evaporator. You should consult a professional rather than try to fix this part yourself. Keep in mind that if there is excessive ice buildup inside your commercial refrigeration unit, it can cause the compressor to overheat.

Now you know some of the most common commercial refrigeration problems you might experience. For commercial refrigeration repairs and installation, consult our professionals at Vernon The Heating & Cooling Specialist.

Image provided by iStock

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